Location: Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), Livingston, just outside Edinburgh
Job Type : Permanent, full-time
Hours : 40 hours per week, with flexibility required to work weekends and bank holidays
Shift pattern : Monday to Friday alternating between - Earlies: 7.30am - 4pm and Lates: 12pm - 8.30pm. Plus 1:4 weekends
Join our team at Veterinary Specialists Scotland
Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), part of the Linnaeus group, is looking for experienced and compassionate Veterinary Care Assistants to join our growing team in our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in Livingston.
VSS is a multi-disciplinary referral centre that opened in October 2020 and has been purpose built to deliver exceptional veterinary care in a modern, supportive, and welcoming environment. As part of Linnaeus, we are proud to be part of a forward-thinking partnership of leading primary care and referral practices across the UK and Ireland, united by a passion to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
At VSS, our core values are centred around excellence in patient care, client care, colleague support, and service to referring practices. We are seeking dedicated Veterinary Care Assistants who share our commitment to teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement.
About the role
The role of the Patient Care Assistant / Veterinary Care Assistant is vital in delivering outstanding patient care and an exceptional client experience. Working closely with our veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and wider clinical and client care teams, you will support the day-to-day care of patients under the direction of a Vet or Registered Veterinary Nurse.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with previous veterinary care experience and strong animal handling skills who thrives in a busy hospital environment and is passionate about making a difference to the lives of pets and their owners.
Key responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Deliver high-quality patient care within the remit of the PCA role and under appropriate clinical delegation
Support the nursing and veterinary teams with the day-to-day care of hospitalised patients
Maintain accurate clinical records, including hospitalisation forms and patient notes
Ensure patient and clinical areas are maintained to a high standard, following strict infection control and health and safety protocols
Handle animals confidently, safely, and compassionately
Work collaboratively with clinical and client care teams to provide an efficient, professional, and caring service
Provide a courteous, empathetic, and helpful experience for clients at all times
Support quality improvement initiatives, audits, and incident reporting processes
Contribute to stock management, correct charging of services and consumables, and reducing unnecessary waste
Take part in training and continued professional development opportunities
What we’re looking for
Previous experience in a veterinary care or animal care role
A strong background in animal handling
A genuine passion for delivering excellent patient care
A caring, empathetic, and professional approach
Excellent communication and teamwork skills
The ability to work reliably, adaptably, and positively in a busy clinical environment
A commitment to maintaining high clinical standards and supporting continuous improvement
A willingness to work flexibly, including weekends and bank holidays
Why join VSS and Linnaeus?
By joining VSS, you will become part of a talented, collaborative team in a fast-growing referral hospital where patient care and colleague wellbeing are genuinely valued. As part of Linnaeus, you will also benefit from being part of a wider network of veterinary professionals who are passionate about clinical excellence, learning, and innovation.
Our culture is built around the Linnaeus Five Principles:
Quality
Responsibility
Mutuality
Efficiency
Freedom
These principles shape how we work, support one another, and make decisions every day.
Apply now
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